A Book in Review: Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet

Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had such high hopes for this book. As an art teacher, I was curious how Monet would be presented. I know this is fictional, but I was left curious if any of the events really happened. There was a good use of some of the painters' work embedded in the book. However, these were the only good things in the book, to me.

Camille is a big whiny brat and the book evolves around her fits and Monet trying to please her. Monet was often selfish and did not think about his family... only his painting and his want to be famous. He also says merde so often that I don't ever need to hear it again in my life.

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A Book in Review: The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just read two really boring and not so great books, before finally taking The Girl on the Train off of my bookshelf. I had been wanting to read it for a while, so I am extremely happy that the book did not disappoint me.

Rachel is a hot mess. She gets in her own way over and over again throughout the book. She made me so angry. Any time that she would remember a perhaps vital piece of information, she would wash it away with alcohol.

The three women in this book are all a bit certifiable in their own ways. One is still hooked on her ex-husband. One once a mistress, now a wife and one trying to flee her past, but not ever really happy. Yet, they have one common thread. What or who could it be?? Hmm...

I've got to say, that I did not know what to expect at the end and I was a little surprised. Go Paula Hawkins! I love a good mystery! I love a good twist! (I had a pretty good idea as to who the culprit was, but what goes down at the very, very end is what surprised me.)

This book may not be for everyone, but it is just what I needed!

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A Book in Review: Till I Kissed You

Till I Kissed You by Laura Trentham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I won this book through Goodreads giveaways! Thank you!

I have to say, over the last couple of years, I have developed a like for the romance novel. I know. I never saw that coming, but alas, here I am.

'Til I Kissed You' is a fun, light read. I enjoyed the characters. I liked that they had a history, it gave a nice backstory to what was happening in the present day, within the book. I never really appreciate when the characters hit it off straight away. It is always so much more exciting when they have to work for their love. This book is filled with miscommunication and assumptions, which string you up and down emotionally as you read along.

The setting is in two quaint little southern towns, separated by a river. One side supposedly represents all that is classy and the other... trashy. The characters are brought together (despite past grievances) in order to solve some crimes that are threatening festivals that are to take place in both towns.

Can the main characters be reconciled? Can the towns work together to pull off successful festivals? I suppose you'll have to read to find out!

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